Cheap S/S Brake Line Pricing: What Am I Missing?

[IanDMacDonald]

Staying-up late reading the threads regarding S/S brake lines, and saw someone recommend this site: http://www.stainlesssteellines.com/category-s/1866.htm . So, using the Standard measurements of (1) 16" line from the M/C, (2) 22 3/4" lines to the caliper, and (1) 19" line for the rear, is this deal too good to be true?

[jetmechmarty]

http://www.stainlesssteellines.com/category-s/1866.htm . So, using the Standard measurements of (1) 16" line from the M/C, (2) 22 3/4" lines to the caliper, and (1) 19" line for the rear, is this deal too good to be true?

It appears you're going to have to swedge them yourself. Can you do that? There has been good feedback on here for Chacal's XS1100 lines. Did you see them at XJBikes.com? I sourced some lines and fittings from Z1 Enterprises and assembled them. Worked good, but the fittings are threaded rather than swedged.

[jetmechmarty]

After a careful read, I'm wrong. They assemble them. Any error in angle, length, or clocking is on you. What are the chances you get it 100% the first time? I hope you can!

[BA80]

There used to be someone on fleabay that sold sets for about $60-$70 but this is all that's there now.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_saca...torcycle+Parts

[IanDMacDonald]

Hey Marty- Yeah, I got an email from Len regarding the XS brake lines. I guess I was just trying to look for something a little less than what they offer. By "swedge", I assume you mean the banjo bolts being compressed on the end? I did call one shop only, and they quoted me $50/line.

So, I'm clueless as to the terms used on that site. Clocking? Banjo degrees? I do know that the banjo bolts have a certain angle on them. I guess I was hoping somebody else has done this homework for me already

[IanDMacDonald]

There used to be someone on fleabay that sold sets for about $60-$70 but this is all that's there now.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_saca...torcycle+Parts

Yeah, I looked this up. It's an option. I think the three lines looks better than the doubled-up banjo off the M/C.

[jetmechmarty]

Hey Marty- Yeah, I got an email from Len regarding the XS brake lines. I guess I was just trying to look for something a little less than what they offer. By "swedge", I assume you mean the banjo bolts being compressed on the end? I did call one shop only, and they quoted me $50/line.

So, I'm clueless as to the terms used on that site. Clocking? Banjo degrees? I do know that the banjo bolts have a certain angle on them. I guess I was hoping somebody else has done this homework for me already

Ian,
The Chacal lines have been used by members here without complaint. I think you're asking for frustration going with build to spec lines. I don't know what you save doing it yourself, but Z1 and other places sell the individual components that you assemble with a wrench. You'll be able to clock them yourself. I think you know the easiest path.

[Rasputin]

Just want to say the fitting of Len's (Chacal) lines for the XS1100 was done by myself. They are all stock lines made to fit stock bikes. They are available in both stock rubber and colored S/S lines. They even have any hard lines one wants to use as well as single line replacements for the rear brake if you desire. There are also many other parts for the brakes available thru his site from Rotors to rubbers to rebuild kits and many more items.
I will also say that it took a lot of time and effort as well as many mailings back and forth to get the lines right. Even though I had sent him a set of stock lines to copy it never worked out exact. The fitting process took many months and included much frustration on both our parts. For some of the lines we actually marked then cut the sample lines so the correct clocking could be achieved.
While you may have good luck with your posted vendor, I would say unless you have the knowledge of clocking and measuring to that clocking etc I would not go there.
There are many members on the site that will know the exact dimensions and clocking to get the right fit for your bike. I am not one of them. Some will argue back and forth on DOT and cost etc. For a straight bolt on, place it and forget it option, you will not beat Len's brake lines.
Yes his pricing is slightly higher than some of his competition and yes one can beat that price doing it his own way but for a simple order it and know it will fit; You cant beat it.
As has been said I have not yet heard of a complaint on Chacal's lines. I have heard complaints from many members about others as in Ebay sellers. As Marty has stated about the ad you provided, that "Any error in angle, length, or clocking is on you." Had I been given that option when I was test fitting the lines for Chacal I would owe money till long after I die.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

[IanDMacDonald]

Yeah, reading their FAQ even confuses me regarding "clocking". I definitely want to make S/S lines an option this year. it's on the wish list. Thanks for the fitting of the lines Rasputin.

[jetmechmarty]

If you buy stuff like this, you will do the clocking yourself. The threaded fittings make it not an issue. You still have to pick correct lengths and angles. How much does this save you over the plug n' play lines?

[IanDMacDonald]

Marty- I priced out the lines above from Z1 if I were to stay with the three-line setup. All-together with all the banjo fittings, bolts, washers, etc., it goes well over $200 w/ shipping. I'll send that other site an email.

I've been reading old posts regarding "Coastguard1975" 's braided stainless steel brake lines on ebay. The posts were from 2009. Some say they had issues with the lines being too long, etc. Anybody have any experience with him as of late?

[natemoen]

Marty- I priced out the lines above from Z1 if I were to stay with the three-line setup. All-together with all the banjo fittings, bolts, washers, etc., it goes well over $200 w/ shipping. I'll send that other site an email.

I've been reading old posts regarding "Coastguard1975" 's braided stainless steel brake lines on ebay. The posts were from 2009. Some say they had issues with the lines being too long, etc. Anybody have any experience with him as of late?

I think I got mine from him in 2012 and they were a good length. The Banjos were not all perfectly aligned or angled but they all fit on with just a slight bit of effort.

[IanDMacDonald]

Thanks Nate. Definitely an economical option for four hoses & hardware. I've got an email sent in to the above-linked site for pricing.

[jetmechmarty]

Just to be clear, the lines were not available from XJBikes.com when I bought mine. If I were doing it today, that is where I would go. They're tried and tested. Zero complaints AFAIK.

I got mine someplace else, and I got hosed. (pun intended) I ended up with the Z1 lines when buying for the second time. For the record, it was Bremzen that took my money and failed to deliver. I strongly recommend avoiding them.

[DGXSER]

Here is an interesting thought. IF Ras and Chacal worked out the clocking, angles and lengths of the stock lines, perhaps this information could be posted here. That way, the lines could be confidently ordered from any site or supplier you choose.